WO2022198257A1

WO2022198257A1 - A spacer system, method and apparatus

Info

Publication number: WO2022198257A1
Application number: PCT/AU2021/050264
Authority: WO
Inventors: Daryl Patrick Norton
Original assignee: Norton, Kim Louise
Priority date: 2021-03-24
Filing date: 2021-03-24
Publication date: 2022-09-29
Also published as: AU2021436144A1

Abstract

A spacer configured to maintain a space between a first face of a first slab and a first face of a second slab adjacent the first slab, the spacer comprising an elongate body, a contact surface configured to abut the first face of the first slab, and a first stop member extending from the body and configured to abut a second face of the first or second slab, wherein the second face of the first or second slab is angled relative to the first face of the first slab.

Description

A SPACER SYSTEM, METHOD AND APPARATUS

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The invention relates to a spacer system, method and device. In particular, the invention relates, but is not limited, to a spacer device configured to maintain a space between adjacent slabs for transport, a system to maintain a space between adjacent slabs for transport, and a method of using such a system or device.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

[0002] Reference to background art herein is not to be construed as an admission that such art constitutes common general knowledge in Australia or elsewhere.

[0003] Slabs used in building and construction (for example concrete slabs, sleepers, etc) are typically stored and transported in bundles of several slabs that are restricted in relative movement by being strapped together with strapping tape, ratchet straps or similar fastening systems. Additionally, in transport, the slabs are often strapped to the transport vehicle, such as a truck, ship, boat, trailer, etc. When slabs are strapped together, there is the possibility that movement of the slabs either relative to each other or relative to the straps, can cause damage to the slabs along each of their faces, or at the point of contact with the straps by rubbing. This damage can be exacerbated by transportation, and further damage can be caused by relative movement of the slabs to the transport vehicle. Further, slabs may have decorative or functional faces which are especially vulnerable to damage.

[0004] To prevent damage, slabs may be spaced by the insertion of foam between faces of slabs. However, movement of the slabs may cause the foam to fall out or to be compressed such that the slabs can move further, increasing the risk of damage to the surfaces of the slabs by both rubbing and impact.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

[0005] It is a preferred object of this invention to provide a spacer system, method and/or device which overcomes or ameliorates one or more of the disadvantages or problems described above, or which at least provides a useful alternative.

[0006] Other preferred objects of the present invention will become apparent from the following description.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[0007] In one form, although not necessarily the only or broadest form, the invention resides in a spacer configured to maintain a space between a first face of a first slab and a first face of a second slab adjacent the first slab, the spacer comprising: an elongate body; a contact surface configured to abut the first face of the first slab; and a first stop member extending from the body and configured to abut a second face of the first or second slab, wherein the second face of the first or second slab is angled relative to the first face of the first slab.

[0008] Preferably, the spacer further comprises a protrusion extending from the body and the contact surface is located at an end of the protrusion. [0009] Preferably, the spacer further comprises a plurality of protrusions extending from the body, including contact surfaces located at an end of each of the protrusions, wherein the protrusions are configured to allow the body to deform along a longitudinal axis of the spacer. [0010] Preferably, the protrusions extend from the body in at least two directions such that the contact surface of at least one of the protrusions abuts the first face of the first slab, and the contact surface of at least one of the remaining protrusions abuts the first face of the second slab.

[0011 ] Preferably, the spacer further comprises a handle extending from the body and comprising at least one gripping portion, wherein the gripping portion of the handle extends beyond the first stop member along the longitudinal axis of the spacer.

[0012] Preferably, the handle comprises at least two gripping portions and is configured to receive strapping tape between the at least two gripping portions.

[0013] Preferably, the contact surfaces of each of the plurality of protrusions has a texture selected to restrict relative sliding movement of the first and second slabs.

[0014] Preferably, the contact surfaces have a texture comprising tapered nibs, rings, or squares.

[0015] Preferably, the spacer further comprises a second stop member extending from the body and configured to abut a third face of the first or second slab wherein the third surface of the first or second slab is angled relative to the first and second face of the first slab and the first and second face of the second slab.

[0016] In another form, the invention resides in a method for maintaining a space between a first slab and a second slab, the method comprising: locating the second slab adjacent the first slab, with a first face of the first slab facing a first face of the second slab, wherein the first face of the first slab is spaced from the first face of the second slab; locating a spacer between the first and second slabs, the spacer comprising: an elongate body; a contact surface configured to abut the first face of the first slab; and a first stop member extending from the body and configured to abut a second face of the first or second slab, wherein the second face of the first or second slab is angled relative to the first face of the first slab.

[0017] Preferably, the method further includes the step of applying strapping tape to the slabs to restrict relative movement of the slabs.

[0018] In another form, the invention resides in a system configured to maintain a space between a first face of a first slab and a first face of a second slab adjacent the first slab during transport, the system comprising: the first slab; the second slab; and a spacer comprising an elongate body, a contact surface configured to abut the first face of the first slab, and a first stop member extending from the body and configured to abut a second face of the first or second slab, wherein the second face of the first or second slab is angled relative to the first face of the first slab.

[0019] Further features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] By way of example only, preferred embodiments of the invention will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying figures, wherein:

Figure 1 illustrates a perspective view of a spacer, according to an embodiment of the invention;

Figure 2 illustrates a further perspective view of the spacer shown in Figure 1 ; Figure 3 illustrates a front view of the spacer shown in Figure 1 ;

Figure 4 illustrates a bottom view of the spacer shown in Figure 1 .

Figure 5 illustrates a left side view of the spacer shown in Figure 1 ;

Figure 6 illustrates a right side view of the spacer shown in Figure 1 ;

Figure 7 illustrates a perspective view of a spacer, according to a further embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021 ] Figures 1 -6 illustrate a spacer 100 for maintaining a space between adjacent first and second slabs (not shown) according to an embodiment of the invention. The spacer 100 includes a body 110, a first set of stop members 120 and a second set of second stop members 130 connected to the body 110, and a handle 140 connected to the first set of stop members 120.

[0022] The body 110 is elongate in shape and includes a plurality of protrusions 111 extending in alternating and opposite directions that are perpendicular to a longitudinal axis 13 of the body 110. The body has a proximal end 11 and a distal end 12, with the first set of stop members 120 being located at the proximal end 11 of the body 110. Each of the protrusions 111 has a contact surface 112 configured to abut or engage with the first and second slab which may have non-planar faces with convex, concave or undulating portions on their faces. The configuration of the protrusions 111 , as illustrated in Figures 1 -6, allows the body 110 to be flexible, and allows the contact surfaces 112 of the protrusions 111 to follow the contours of the faces of the first and second slabs, whether concave, convex or undulating. Furthermore, the flexible body 110 allows for any relative movement of the first and/or second slabs to be absorbed by deflection of the body 110 of the spacer 100, resulting in minimal scuffing to the faces of the first and second slabs that are in contact with the spacer 100. To achieve this flexibility, the spacer 100 is made from raw polypropylene or another suitable flexible and strong material.

[0023] In other embodiments of the invention, some of the protrusions 111 and their contact surfaces 112 may be configured to abut or engage with a face of a slab in one direction only, and the remaining protrusions 111 in an opposite direction may be configured to engage with a crate, packaging, or a vehicle. Moreover, in further embodiments, the protrusions 111 may extend in any direction and/or there may be portions of the body 110 devoid of protrusions 111.

[0024] Each contact surface 112 has a texture selected to provide engagement with faces of the first and second slabs to restrict relative sliding movement of the first and second slabs and result in minimal damage to the faces of the first and second slabs when the spacer 100 is in use. In this embodiment, the contact surfaces 112 have a texture comprising a plurality of tapered nibs 113. However, in other embodiments, the texture of the contact surfaces 112 may be smooth, or the texture may comprise projections in the form of rings, squares, pyramids, dimples, or the texture may include other features to provide engagement with the slab faces. The selection of texture is made based on the physical properties of the slabs including their hardness, weight, and decorative treatment, along with expected loads the slabs would be exposed to, such as through straps or from a transport vehicle.

[0025] In this embodiment, the first and second slabs are cuboid in shape and each of the first and second slabs has a first face and a second face that is substantially perpendicular to the first face and extends from an edge of the first face. However, in further embodiments, the second face may be angled relative to the first face such that the angle between the first and second faces is less than or more than 90 degrees. Moreover, in further embodiments, there may be a smooth curved transition from the first face to the second face instead of the first and second surface being connected along a common edge. [0026] When the spacer 100 is located between the first faces of the first and second slabs, the contact surfaces 112 of the protrusions 111 extending toward the first slab abut or engage with the first face of the first slab, and the contact surfaces 112 of the protrusions 111 extending toward the second slab abut or engage with the first face of the second slab. However, in further embodiments where the protrusions 111 only extend in one direction (towards the first slab or the second slab), the contact surfaces 112 would abut or engage with the first face of the slab towards which they extend, with the first face of the other slab abutting or engaging with another portion of the body 110 of the spacer 100.

[0027] The first set of stop members 120 are configured to abut the second faces of the first and second slabs. The first set of stop members 120 comprises two stop members, with each stop member including two linear projections 121 extending in opposite directions, similar to the directions in which the protrusions 11 extend from the body 110. The linear projections 121 of each stop member are rod-shaped and extend outwardly from a common point located on a plane extending through the longitudinal axis 13 of the body 110. The stop members 120 are spaced from each other and extend parallel to each other. However, in further embodiments, there may be only one stop member or each stop member may have only one projection extending in the same or different directions to abut only one slab. Moreover, in further embodiments, the stop members and/or the linear projections may be differently shaped, for example, hook-shaped, cuboidal etc. The position of the first set of stop members 120 with relative to the distal end 12 of the body 110 is selected to set a predetermined length of the spacer that can extend between the first faces of the first and second slabs when the spacer 100 is located therebetween.

[0028] The second set of stop members 130 are configured to abut a third face of the first or second slab (depending on the orientation of the spacer 100 relative to the slabs), the third face being angled with respect to the first face and the second face of the slab whose third face the second set of stop members 130 abut. The second set of stop members 130 comprises two stop members 130 that are spaced from each other along the longitudinal axis 13 of body 110. The stop members 130 include a linear projection each that extend from the body in the same direction and are also spaced from the body 110 (as seen in Figures 5 and 6) with a connecting member connecting each linear projection to the body 110 and maintaining a space between the respective linear projection and the body 110. The position of the second set of stop members 130 is selected to set the maximum distance the spacer can extend between the first faces of the first and second slabs in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 13 of the spacer 100.

[0029] Thus, with the contact surfaces 112 of the protrusions 111 abutting the first faces of the first and second slabs, the first set of stop members 120 abutting the second faces of the first and second slabs, and the second set of stop members 130 abutting the third face of the first or second slab, the spacer 100 is restricted in movement in three dimensions. Typically, this arrangement would place the spacer 100 at an end of each slab, for instance the end of a sleeper, such that if any damage is caused to the first faces of the first and second slabs by the contact surfaces 112 of the protrusions 111 of the spacer 100, the damage would be located towards the end of each slab, where the damage can be hidden when the slabs are installed onto a support beam, in the form of an H-post or C-post, of a retaining wall or similar, by the flanged arrangement of the H-post or C-post.

[0030] The handle 140 is located at the proximal end 11 of the body 110 and extends from the body along the longitudinal axis 13 and beyond the first set of stop members 120. The handle 140 comprises two gripping portions in the form of tabs that can be gripped by a user to move the spacer 100, i.e. the handle 140 allows for the installation and removal of the spacer between adjacent slabs, without the user having to place any part of their person, or any tool, between the slabs, thus avoiding a possible pinching or crushing hazard. The gripping portions of the handle 140 are configured to receive strapping tape between them. Strapping tape installed between the gripping portions further restricts movement of the spacer along the first faces of the first and second slabs. However, in other embodiments, the spacer 100 may have no handle, reducing the extent to which the spacer 100 protrudes outside the space between the first and second slabs. Moreover, in further embodiments, the handle 140 may extend from the body perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 13 and beyond the second set of stop members 130 and/or the handle 140 may have only one gripping portion, or three or more gripping portions.

[0031 ] Although the embodiment shown in Figures 1 -6 includes a first and second set of stop members 120, 130, other embodiments of the invention could be produced with no stop members, only the first set of stop members, or only the second set of stop members. An embodiment with only the first set of stop members 120 would allow for the spacer 100 to be placed at any location between the first faces of the first and second slabs but restrict movement of the spacer 100 towards the distal end 12. Contradistinctively, an embodiment with only the second set of stop members 130 would ensure that the spacer 100 is located at the end of the first and second slabs, but would restrict movement of the spacer 100 between the first faces of the first and second slabs in a direction that is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 13. Further, an embodiment without any stop members would allow the spacer 100 to be located freely to engage with any part of the first faces of the first and second slabs. Such an embodiment, without any stop members, may be held in place by the weight of the first and second slabs, or by the force applied by strapping tape. Moreover, in any embodiment comprising stop members, there may be any number of stop members that provide the necessary restrictive function and/or the stop members may be configured to abut with only one or multiple slabs. [0032] To prepare the first and second slabs for transport, with the spacer 100 located therebetween, the first and second slabs are initially located adjacent each other with their respective first faces facing each other and spaced from each other. Next, the spacer 100 is located in the space between the first faces of the first and second slabs, proximate the ends of first and second slabs, with the first set of stop members 120 abutting the second faces of the first and second slabs and the second set of stop members 130 abutting the third face of the first or second slab (depending on orientation of the spacer 100). Strapping tape is then applied to the slabs, with the strapping tape extending between the two gripping portions of the handle 140, and tightening of the strapping tape reduces the space between the first faces of the first and second slabs, thereby causing the first faces of the first and second slabs to abut/engage with the contact surfaces 112 of the protrusions 111 of the spacer 100. With the spacer 100 located between the first and second slabs and the strapping tape secured to the first and second slabs, relative movement of the slabs is restricted or prevented.

[0033] The step of locating the spacer comprises placing the spacer such that at least one of the contact surfaces abuts or engages with a face of a slab, and if the spacer has stop members, ensuring that at least one stop member abuts a second surface of the slab that is angled with respect to the first surface.

[0034] In the manner discussed above, the invention provides a system of maintaining space between adjacent first and second slabs during transport, comprising the first and second slabs and a spacer 100 located therebetween.

[0035] Figure 7 illustrates a spacer 200, according to a further embodiment of the invention. The spacer 200 is similar to the spacer 100 but differences therebetween are noted below.

[0036] The spacer 200 comprises a body 210 with a longitudinal axis 23 and a second set of stop members 230 extending laterally from a side of the body 210. However, the spacer 200 further includes a second handle 250 in the form of a tab extending laterally from a side of the body 210. In this embodiment, the second handle 250 is located on the side of the body 210 that is opposite to the side of the body 210 from which the second set of stop members 230 extend. However, in further embodiments, the second handle 250 may be located on the side of the body 210 from which the second set of stop members 230 extend, with the second handle 250 located between the stop members 230.

[0037] The second handle 250 allows the spacer 200 to be held by a user or a machine and has two planar surfaces, each surface having a texture selected to ensure that the second handle 250 can be firmly gripped without any slippage. The texture of the surfaces of the second handle 250 may comprise projections in the form of lines, rings, squares, pyramids, dimples, or the texture may include other features to provide an effective gripping surface.

[0038] The spacer 100 provides numerous advantages over similar known devices/systems. The spacer 100 prevents or reduces damage to slabs by rubbing or impact, and where damage cannot be prevented, ensures that the damage is a position that is easily hidden when the slabs are fully installed. The use of the spacer 100 results in avoidance of potential crushing hazards to the installer and secure retention and consistent spacing of the slabs secured with strapping tape or other fasteners.

[0039] In this specification, adjectives such as first and second, forward and backward, upward and downward, proximal and distal, upper and lower, top and bottom and the like may be used solely to distinguish one element or action from another element or action without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order. Where the context permits, reference to an integer or a component or step (or the like) is not to be interpreted as being limited to only one of that integer, component, or step, but rather could be one or more of that integer, component, or step etc. [0040] The above description of various embodiments of the present invention is provided for purposes of description to one of ordinary skill in the related art. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to a single disclosed embodiment. As mentioned above, numerous alternatives and variations to the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art of the above teaching. Accordingly, while some alternative embodiments have been discussed specifically, other embodiments will be apparent or relatively easily developed by those of ordinary skill in the art. The invention is intended to embrace all alternatives, modifications, and variations of the present invention that have been discussed herein, and other embodiments that fall within the spirit and scope of the above described invention.

[0041 ] In this specification, the terms ‘comprises’, ‘comprising’, ‘includes’, ‘including’, or similar terms are intended to mean a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a method, system or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include those elements solely, but may well include other elements not listed.

Claims

1 . A spacer configured to maintain a space between a first face of a first slab and a first face of a second slab adjacent the first slab, the spacer comprising: an elongate body; a contact surface configured to abut the first face of the first slab; and a first stop member extending from the body and configured to abut a second face of the first or second slab, wherein the second face of the first or second slab is angled relative to the first face of the first slab.

2. The spacer of claim 1 , wherein the spacer further comprises a protrusion extending from the body and the contact surface is located at an end of the protrusion.

3. The spacer of any preceding claim, wherein the spacer further comprises a plurality of protrusions extending from the body, including contact surfaces located at an end of each of the protrusions, wherein the protrusions are configured to allow the body to deform along a longitudinal axis of the spacer.

4. The spacer of claim 3, wherein the protrusions extend from the body in at least two directions such that the contact surface of at least one of the protrusions abuts the first face of the first slab, and the contact surface of at least one of the remaining protrusions abuts the first face of the second slab.

5. The spacer of any preceding claim further comprising a handle extending from the body and comprising at least one gripping portion, wherein the gripping portion of the handle extends beyond the first stop member along the longitudinal axis of the spacer.

6. The spacer of claim 5 wherein the handle comprises at least two gripping portions and is configured to receive strapping tape between the at least two gripping portions.

7. The spacer of any preceding claim wherein the contact surfaces of each of the plurality of protrusions have a texture selected to restrict relative sliding movement of the first and second slabs.

8. The spacer of any preceding claim wherein any one of the contact surfaces has a smooth texture.

9. The spacer of any preceding claim wherein any one of the contact surfaces has a texture comprising tapered nibs.

10. The spacer of any preceding claim wherein any one of the contact surfaces has a texture comprising rings.

11. The spacer of any preceding claim wherein any one of the contact surfaces has a texture comprising squares.

12. The spacer of any preceding claim further comprising a second stop member extending from the body and configured to abut a third face of the first or second slab wherein the third surface of the first or second slab is angled relative to the first and second face of the first slab and the first and second face of the second slab.

13. The spacer of any preceding claim further comprising a second handle extending laterally from the body.

14. A method for maintaining a space between a first slab and a second slab, the method comprising: locating the second slab adjacent the first slab, with a first face of the first slab facing a first face of the second slab, wherein the first face of the first slab is spaced from the first face of the second slab; locating a spacer between the first and second slabs, the spacer comprising: an elongate body; a contact surface configured to abut the first face of the first slab; and a first stop member extending from the body and configured to abut a second face of the first or second slab, wherein the second face of the first or second slab is angled relative to the first face of the first slab.

15. The method of claim 14 further including the step of applying strapping tape to the slabs to restrict relative movement of the slabs.

16. A system configured to maintain a space between a first face of a first slab and a first face of a second slab adjacent the first slab during transport, the system comprising: the first slab; the second slab; and a spacer comprising an elongate body, a contact surface configured to abut the first face of the first slab, and a first stop member extending from the body and configured to abut a second face of the first or second slab, wherein the second face of the first or second slab is angled relative to the first face of the first slab.